Abstract: A reel system may receive a leading edge of a flexible buoyant pad. The flexible buoyant pad may have a use configuration having a first outer vertical envelope and a storage configuration having a second outer vertical envelope that is smaller than the first outer vertical envelope. The reel system may comprise at least one base member, an arm rotatably coupled to the base member and a rotatable axle coupled to the arm. The rotatable axle may be rotatable relative to the arm and the rotatable axle may adapted to receive the flexible buoyant pad and support the flexible buoyant pad in the storage configuration. Further, an actuatable input may supported by the arm. The actuatable input may be configured to rotate the rotatable axle relative to the arm.